Amplifier of Acceleration Signal - Auto Pilot, for New Technology Cars

ABSTRACT

An aftermarket amplifier of acceleration signal (A), which is mounted between the potentiometer of the acceleration pedal (B) and the electronic control unit (C) and is programmed to control and to modify the signals from the accelerator pedal. The amplifier improves the acceleration of a car and overcomes to problems occurring during overreacting. The amplifier measures the signals from the acceleration pedal, calculates the change of the angle of the potentiometer of acceleration speed (angular speed) and multiplies the signals from the acceleration pedal by a value which is determined by the angular speed of the potentiometer of the accelerator pedal. Additionally, the amplifier includes a function of a cruise control, which can be controlled with a single control switch (F).

The invention refers to a system of continuous measurements andtransformations of signals which come from the potentiometer ofelectronic acceleration pedal of modern cars.

Lately there has been an increase in the complaints of drivers of newtechnology cars with electronic acceleration pedal, concerning lack ofan acceleration pedal reply to the driver's orders.

In new technology cars, the command of acceleration is not transmittedwith the traditional wire, (mechanic way). The command is transmittedfrom the driver's foot to the ECU (electronic control unit), with apotentiometer. (Electronic acceleration pedal).

The application of the electronic acceleration has as a result the badacceleration of the car and the problems caused in the overacting andgenerally the circulation of vehicles.

This invention is coming to cover the disadvantage of poor accelerationof cars that is provided with electronic acceleration pedal.

The basic operation of the amplifier of acceleration signals for newtechnology cars is the digital transformation of the signals of thepotentiometer with proper software and their transmission to the controlunit.

Simultaneously with the transformation of acceleration signals, thedevice executes also a second operation, the upkeep of steady speed withthe pressure of a switch when it is asked by the driver. (Automaticpilot).

The amplifier of acceleration signals for new technology cars has as abasic item a microprocessor which is programmed to measures the signalsfrom the acceleration potentiometer, and supply the ECU (electroniccontrol unit) with new signals which will improve the car accelerationand will keep the speed of the vehicle steady during long travels, whenit is chosen by the driver.

The invention is fully applied as it refers to changing of the signalsof electronic acceleration pedal, and it does not alter the structure ofthe central program of the car.

One more advantage of the device is the possibility of it's inactivationby pressing a switch on the car board. (Grounding command).

The invention is presented below with reference to adapted drawingsstarting from plan one where the outer appearance of the device appears.

Drawing one shows the device in really exterior dimensions. Drawing twoshows the designing of the electronic circuit of the amplifier ofacceleration signals-auto pilot, for new technology cars.

The signals from the acceleration potentiometer (drawing 1-B) aresmoothed and directed to the A/D input of the microprocessor.

The microprocessor (drawing 1-A) is programmed to measure the signalsfrom the acceleration pedal with priorities, and to calculate the changeof the angle of the potentiometer of acceleration pedal, (angularspeed). Then the program multiplies the signal's rates by an algorithmwhich is determined by the rate of the angular speed of the accelerationpotentiometer.

The signals at the entry of the microprocessor are compared between eachother as well as the altered signals at the exit of the microprocessor.Another algorithm oversees the comparisons of the signals and decides onwhether the entry signals and their transformations should be acceptedbefore being sent to the exit the device.

As long as the device is interfered between the accelerationpotentiometer, (drawing 1-B) and the electronic control unit (ECU),(drawing 1-C) it is possible for the device to under-takes the completecontrol of the car speed since it is asked by the driver.

When the car develops some speed, e.g. 80 km/hour, then if the driverpresses the auto-pilot switch, (drawing 1-F), the program reads thecommand and waits for the driver to leave the acceleration pedal withinthe next five seconds. (Confirmation of auto pilot order).

If the program recognizes these two conditions, (switch and pedal), itgoes on with the operation of automatic pilot.

Now the microprocessor does not alter the signals of electronicacceleration pedal, but it reads the RPM of the engine and increases ordecreases the commands to the ECU with final result to keeping the RPMof engine steady as well as the speed of the car, without the driverhaving to press the acceleration pedal.

The pulses from injectors, (drawing 1-D) are used for the calculation ofthe engine revolving speed (RPM) during the operation of automaticpilot.

In order to take the program out of auto pilot operation, one of thefollowing should be done: the driver should either press the brakepedal, (drawing 1-E), or press acceleration pedal again, (drawing 1-B).

The amplifier of acceleration signals-auto pilot, (drawing 1-A), isattached between the potentiometer of acceleration pedal, (drawing 1-B),and the electronic control unit, (ECU), (drawing 1-C).

The system is completed in a device which is placed in the interior ofthe car and is attached to the connector of the acceleration pedal.

The designing of the device allows its easy installation in all modelsin a simple way, without needing to get into the electronic circuits ofthe car. (Is not influenced the operation of circuits of the car, e.g.,injection system-ignition system, ABS etc.).

1. An amplifier of acceleration signals for new technology cars, which is interfering between the potentiometer of the acceleration pedal and the electronic control unit (ECU) and is programmed to control the signals from accelerator pedal with priorities, and to calculate the changing of the angle of potentiometers of the acceleration pedal, (angular speed). Then the program multiplies the signal's rates by an algorithm which is determined by the rate of angular speed of the potentiometer of the acceleration pedal, which has as a final result to improve the acceleration of the car.
 2. An amplifier of acceleration signals for new technology cars according to claim one, which as long as it is interfering between the potentiometer of the acceleration pedal and the electronic control unit (ECU), is possible to undertake the complete control of the car speed when it is asked by the driver. The processor reads the RPM of engine and increases or decreases the commands to the ECU, with a final result the engine RPM to be steady and accordingly the car speed, without the driver needing to press the acceleration pedal.
 3. An amplifier of acceleration signals for new technology cars according to the claim one, which is activated or cancelled with the press of a simple switch on the car board. As a result the driver has two choices, the fast or regular driving. (Sport Switch). 